Lubricating device



Aug. 6, 1935. J. CREVELING 2,010,140

LUBRICATING" DEVICE Original Filed Sept. 17, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 74a E fic. 11.

INVENTOR.

da IVL. Can/41m;

B QM;

A TTORNEY.

9 J. L. CREVELING 2,010,140

. LUBRICATING DEVICE I Original Filed Sept. 17, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 11v VENTOR c/ah' .CEEVE I/VG A TOR/V 17/ I67 'q' By Patented Aug. 6, 1935 LUBRICATING DEVICE John L. Creveling, Tucson, Ariz., assignmto The Lubrication Corporation, South Bend, Ind.,a corporation of Delaware Application September 17, 1931, Serial No. 563,407 Renewed December 24, 1934 15 Claim.

This invention relates to lubricating devices and more particularly to devices for coupling a source of grease, or other lubricant supply to a fitting or nipple to be lubricated.

1 have disclosed in a co-pending applicatio Serial No. 563,401 (Case #8. B. 2), a device of somewhat similar characteristics. The devices disclosed in this application in illustration of my present invention are in some respects, improvements over the device disclosed in said co-pending application and in other respects invoke a departure therefrom.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a coupler capable of being securely attached to a fitting to be lubricated.

A further object is to provide a coupler capable of convenient attachment and/or lubricant feeding connection throughout a much greater range of angles than has heretofore been possible.

A further object of the invention is to provide a coupling device capable of being securely engaged in lubricant-tight relationship with a fitting to be lubricated regardless of the angle at which the coupler is attached or the position or direction from which the fitting is approached.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described in which the coupler is capable of being released from the fitting or nipple irrespective of pressure locks when attached to "frozen fittings.

Further objects will be apparent after reading the subjoined specification and claims and after consideration of the accompanying'drawings.

' In order toexplain the invention more clearly 35 several embodiments thereof are shown in -said drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the angular range through which a coupler having a plunger or nozzle with a perpendicular attaching face may be connected with a fitting to be lubricated; y

' Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation sim- '.--ilar to Figure 1 showing the angular range through which a coupler having a plunger or Q 55 what diagrammatically, parts of the end of the nozzle provided with a 45 degree angle attaching face may be presented to and connected with clamping outer sleeve and the spherical pockets therein and by which the fitting is held;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of parts of the coupler shown in Figure 3 illustrating the position of the contact face of the plunger sleeve or 5 nozzle by which the fitting is held within the coupler relative to the center line of the plunger;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of part of the coupler showing to an exaggerated degree the double conical shape of the nozzle or plunger 10 used in the coupler shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure Bshowing a difierent shape of plunger and clamping sleeve which may be used after the manner of the device shown in Figure 3; 15

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view illustrating one stage in the process of introducing the fitting into the coupler;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view similar to Fi ure 8 illustrating a further stage in the insertion of the fitting into the coupler;

Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the end of the plunger. or nozzle shown in Figure 3 showing more clearly the beveled edge of the pocket into which the fitting moves;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 showing a modified form of beveled edge;

Figure. 12 is an end view of the coupler shown in Figure 3;

Figure 13 is a top plan view of the coupler shown in Figure 3;

Figure 14 is an end view of a different form of coupler;

Figure 15 is a sectional view of the coupler shown in Figure 13; I

Figure 16 is a fragmentary detail of the coupler shown in Figure 15 illustrating one of the grooves in which the fitting is adapted to move;

Figure 1'7 is a view in side elevation with parts broken away illustrating a coupler of the char- 4o acter shown in Figure 3, or of the character shown in Figure 14, provided with a device for releasing the coupler from a fitting should the coupler ftherwise be difllcult to release due to a pressure ock;

' Figure 18 is a view in longitudinal section showing a modified form of couplerequipped with a -pressure lock releasing arrangement difl'erent from that pressure lock releasing arrangement illustrated in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a view similar to that of Figure 18 showing a still different form of device for relieving pressure locks;

Figure 20 is a view in section of a different form of coupler; and

Figure 21 is a view in section of a still different form of coupler.

In general, each of the devices illustrated herein comprises a tubular casing or coupling member provided with a tubular plunger or nozzle slidable therein and provided with means for supplying lubricant into the interior of the casing. The casing has secured at the end opposite to the grease supply a sleeve which in effect forms a part of the casing and forms a clamping member for the end of the casing. I have formed the clamping member with one or more recesses, each recess substantially conforming to-the outer contour of the fitting to be lubricated. The plunger or nozzle also has a concave pocket for contacting with the opposite side of said fitting. A spring is positioned within the casing in such a position that it bears upon and tends to urge the plunger or nozzle outward toward the fitting thus aiding in clamping the fitting in the recesses provided therefor. Moreover, the inner end of the plunger is provided with devices which act as a piston whereby grease pressure serves to aid in clamping the plunger or nozzle against the face of the fit-. ting to be lubricated. It'is important to note that I have formed the face of the plunger or nozzle which is adapted to contact with the fittings so that it is inclined at an acute angle to the axis of the nozzle or plunger. I have in the preferred form illustrated provided lateral play between the plunger or nozzle and the casing in order to secure a clamping action which is more secure and more nearly perfectly lubricant-tight. I have provided means to back off the plunger to release the coupler from the fitting in case of pressur locks.

Referring particularly to the drawings, there is shown in Figure 1 a fitting to be lubricated generally designated I2, and a coupler generally designated l4, adapted to lubricate the fitting. This coupler I4 is provided with a plunger or nozzle having a degree or perpendicular face. In Figure 2, there is shown the fitting l2 associated with a coupler generally designated as it. The coupler is provided with a plunger or nozzle having a 45 degree contacting face. The fittings l2 shown in the two figures are of exactly the same size and contact pockets or openings in the end of the two plungers in the two figures are of exactly the same size. From a consideration of the different relative positions of the coupler and fitting shown in full lines and in dotted lines in Figures 1 and 2 it may be clearly seen that the coupler provided with a plunger or nozzle having a 45 degree face may be attached to the fitting to be lubricated and will be adapted to supply grease thereto while I contacting with the fitting at any angle throughpendicular face will be restricted to positions within a zone bounded bylines drawn substantially 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the fitting.

The preferred form of coupler constructed according to' my invention is shown in Figure 3- wherein there is disclosed a casing I8 formed with a longitudinal bore extending throughout. 4 This bore is of relatively small cross section at 2,0 but is enlarged at the rearward end at 22 and is there formed with internal. screw threads for attachment to a source of lubricant supply. It is also enlarged at the forward end to form a chamber 24 for purposes later to be described.

Means are provided for positioning the fitting to be lubricated in a socket associated with the casing I8. The forward end of the casing i8 is formed with external screw threads 26 onto which is screwed the rearward threaded extension 28 of a clamping sleeve 30. The sleeve 30' forms in effect a part of the casing i8 and provides a clamping member partially closing the forward end of the casing. For this purpose, the forward end 3| of the sleeve 33 is generally closed but is provided with a lateral opening 32 through which a fitting to be lubricated may' be inserted and through which the neck of the fitting may, if desired, extend while the fitting is being lubricated. The forward end 3| of the sleeve 30 is also provided with a slot-like opening 34 at the end of the sleeve through which optionally the neck of the fitting may extend while the fitting is being lubricated.

Means are provided for resiliently clamping the ball head of the fitting l2 within the forward end of the sleeve 30. Partly within the enlarged bore or chamber 24 of the casing i 8 and partly within the sleeve 30 is a plunger or nozzle 36 provided with a central bore 38 through which bore lubricant may pass toward the fitting to be lubricated. Rearward of the plunger 38 within the chamber 24 there is positioned a washer 40 of leather or other suitable material and contacting with said washer 4i! isa metallic washer 42. Contacting with the washer 42 and extending rearward to abut against a portion of the casing I8 is a. compression spring-44 which serves normally to urge the plunger 38 resiliently forward into contact with the fitting to be lubricated.

Means are provided for moving the plunger 36 back against the action of the spring 44 whenever such manual movement seems desirable. Surrounding a portion of the casing l8 and a portion of the sleeve 38 is an operating sleeve 46 formedwith a knurled portion 48. The sleeve 46 has inserted therethrough a screw 50 which is threaded into a threaded opening in the plunger 36 and is adapted to slide in a slot 52 formed in the sleeve 30. Thus the operating sleeve may be used to retract the plunger 36 to allow the insertion of the ball head of the fitting I2. It may be used for the purpose of withdrawing the plunger 36 from contact with the ball head-after the fitting has been lubricated. However, the ball head of the fitting may normally be inserted without manual operation of the plunger 36 by (means of the sleeve 48, inasmuch as the insertion of the ball head will normally of itself force the plunger 36 back against the action of the spring 44.

I have provided a novel arrangement whereby it is possible to engage a fitting to be lubricated throughout a wide range of angle positions. It is to be especially noted that the face 54 of the plunger 36 is formed at a-substantially 45, degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the plunger. Thus, as explained above in referring to Figures 1 and 2, the coupler is capable of operatively engaging the fitting to be lubricated throughout a much wider range .of angles than would otherwise be possible. .Moreover the ends of the sleeve 30 are so formed that contact of the neck of the fitting therewith prevents insertion of the fitting at angles other than those at which the pocket in the face 54' engages perfectly with the head of the fitting. It is to be noted that .the ability to approach the fitting throughout at least degrees (a hemisphere) is practically the ability to approach from any desired angle inasmuch as the remaining 1180 degrees practically includes the bearing or other member to be lubricated to which the fitting is permanently attached.

The fitting may be clamped securely and in lubricant-tight relation in any of the positions illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. It is to be noted that the lubricant pressure is adapted to aid the spring in clamping the ball head of the fitting securely between the face 54 and the end 3|. As the lubricant fiows into the casing through the bores 22 and 20 and into the chamber 24, it builds up pressure in the chamber 24 which acts upon the rear end of the plunger 36 through the washers 40 and 42 and thus aids thespring 44 in urging the plunger 36 forward into contact with the ball head of the fitting l2 and after such contact in urging the plunger and the ball head of the fitting both forward so that the ball head is firmly clamped between the end 3| and the face 54. As suggested above, the various parts are formed so that this clamping of the ball head of the fitting I2 is substantially lubricant-tight, while at the same time provision is made for supplying lubricant to the fitting while the face of the plunger is in contact therewith throughout a wide range of angles. A pocket 56 formed in the elliptical face 54 of the plunger 36 has a circular outline which is adapted to cover a zone of the ball-shaped head of the fitting to be lubricated, said zone. extending throughout substantially one-half of the'surface of said head. As the plunger 36 moves into contact with the ball head of the fitting l2, it forces the ball head toward the end 3| and into a pair of concave pockets 58 and 60 which are formed in the end of the clamping sleeve 39, the plunger 36 be ing urged by the spring 44, by thelubricant pressure in the chamber 24, or by'a combination of these forces. The pockets 58 and 60 are formed throughout to fit exactly a portion of a sphere, the curvature of both corresponding to that of a single sphere having aradius equal to the radius of the ball head of the fitting to be lubricated. Moreover, in order to form a more perfect lubricant-tight fitting, the edges 14 of the lubricant pocket 56 are beveled (as shown more clearly in the enlarged view of Figure 10) so that the ball head of the fitting contacts with the plunger on a relatively wide surface in order to insure a more perfect grease-tight joint than would be possible through a single line contact. The edge 14 is shaped for a short distance to have a complementary contour with the surface of the ball head of the fitting. Thus the edge 14 of the pocket 56 is formed with a concave surface, the curvature thereof (like the curvature of the pockets 58 and 60) having a radius equal to the radius of the ball head of the fitting I2 and the center of the curvature of the edge 14 coinciding with the center of the curvature of the pockets 58 and 60. In Figure ll, the edge 14 is'shown beveled fiat. Such a bevel is much easier and much less expensive to machine and is satisfactory to give a wider bearing surface and a perfect grease lubricant joint for all practical purposes. Moreover as the edges of the pocket wear, the ball head sinks deeper and maintains the lubricant tight joint in spite of the wear. This construction is, therefore especially important in a coupler having an angle'face and having a contact almost as great as the diameter of the ball head.

In the process of moving the surface 14 or Ila into contact with the ball head of the fitting and moving the ball head of the fitting into the pockets 58 and 60, it would be difiicult, if not im- ;possible, to secure a perfectly lubricant-tight joint were the plunger 36 moved always directly of its axis and if the ball head of the fitting I2 were restrained against lateral movement by its seat in the end 3|, the side 12 would never come into close contact with the ball head of the fitting. In Figure 6 I have illustrated in an exag- "gerated manner the shape ofthe plunger 36. It

may be noted that the plunger 36 is formed with double conical sides. That is to say, the diameter of the plunger 36 is greatest at 62 and gradually becomes smaller towards the ends 64 and 65. By reason of the described shape of the plunger and the fact that the casing l8 including the sleeve 30 has substantially parallel sides a relative side play is provided between the plunger and the casing. f

It is to be noted that the pocket 56 is not. positioned (as shown clearly in Fig. 5) in the position which would be the center of the end' surface of the plunger were the plunger merely cut off at a degree angle. It may be noted that in Fig. 5 the distance a equals the distance D and therefore the center of the pocket is offsetfrom the position which would normally be the center of the face by a distance that is equal to one-half of c. Lubricant pressure acting on the plunger 5 5 of the center of the ball head, this causes a movement of the plunger 36 to the left relative to the ball head of the fitting [2 so that the surface 74 comes into perfect grease-tight contact with the ball head of the fitting. -At the same time, of course, the ball head is clamped firmly in the pockets 58 and 69. In Figs. 3 and 8 the end 3| is shown for the sake of clearness as'if it were a single central member instead of a pair of spaced members.

In Fig. 7 there is illustrated an alternative method by which similar relative side play between the plunger and the casing may be obtained. Therein the plunger 35a is formed with substantially straight sides but the sleeve 30a is formed so as to have a gradually increasing diameter as it approaches the outer end 58 of the coupler. It is clear that if desired a double con,- ical casing'might be provided in combination with a plunger having substantially straight sides, or a straight sided casing might be provided in combination with a plunger having a gradually de-- creasing diameter throughout in one direction, and in such cases the same result could be ob tained and such alternatives should also be considered within'the scope of my invention. It is believed that the operation of the coupler above described in illustration of my invention will be clear from the above description. The

-coupler l6 may be moved to the fitting I! so that the ball head of the fitting is in effect inserted in the outer end of the casing I8 as extended by the sleeve 38, through the lateral opening 32 thus forcing the plunger 36 rearward against the spring 44. Thereafter, the plunger 36 will be moved forward resiliently by the spring 44 to urge the ball head of the fitting I2 into the pockets 58 and 60. The ball head of the fitting having moved into the pockets 58 and' 60 is substantially fixed against further movement and-as the spring continues to move the plunger outward, the plunger moves first to the right as shown in Figure 8 to allow the edge to clear the ball head of the fitting and then to the left as shown in Figure 9 so that the surface I4 throughout its circumference contacts tightly with the ball head. Thereafter the operator forces lubricant through the bores 22 and I8, the chamber 2 4, the bore 38, and the lubricant pocket 56 into the fitting to be lubricated. The pressure of lubricant in the pocket 24 aids the spring 44 in securely holding the plunger 36 in contact with the ball head of the fitting and in this connection it is to be noted that the area of washers 40 and 42 is greater than the areaof the surface of the ball circumscribed by the lubricant pocket 56. Thus the lubricant pressure holding the plunger in contact with the ball head of the fitting is greater than the lubricant pressure in the pocket tending to separate the plunger from the fitting. The end of the coupler in moving to cause the ball head of the fitting to enter the clamping end of the casing must move laterally toward the fitting so that the fitting passes through the opening 32, but in makin this movement the coupler may be positioned with its longitudinal axis and with the longitudinal axis of the plunger 36 in any angular position'with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fitting throughout substantially a zone formed by lines at angles of 120 degrees to .the longitudinal axis of the fitting.

-In Figures 14, 15 and 16, I have illustrated a modified form of coupler also constructed according to my invention. Therein similar features correspond to the respective features shown in Figure 3 as followsz-The casing II8 to the casing I8; the bore I22 to the bore 22 the bore I20 to the bore 20; the chamber I24 to the chamber '24; the spring I44 to the spring 44; the sleeve I46 to the sleeve 46; the washer I40 to the washer 40; the bore I38 to the bore 38; the screw I50 to the screw 50; the slot I52 to the slot 52; the fitting M2 to the fitting I2; and

the sleeve I30 corresponds to the sleeve 30. In this modified form, however, instead of the pockets 58 and 60 I provide a pair of grooves I6 and 18 formed in the end I34 of the sleeve I 30. These grooves are parallel to the inclined face of the plunger I36 and their curvature in planes normal to the length of the grooves corresponds to the curvature of the ball head of the fitting 2. It is to be noted that the'plu'nger I36 is formed to fit relatively tightly in the casing H8 and sleeve I30 so that no side play is allowed.

In the operation of clamping the ball head in the end of the casing of the form shown in Figure 15, the plunger in moving outward forces ment of the ball head relative tothe casing I I8 rather than movement'of the plunger I86 relative .-to said casing;

. In Figure 1': I have shown a I mediate coupler constructed generally similarly to the device shown in Figure 3, but provided with a device by which pressure may be relieved in the chamber corresponding to, the chamber 24,

should the coupler become pressure locked by reason of the supply-of excessive pressure which might be necessary to lubricate a frozen'" fitting. In Figure 17 I have made the bore 80 which corresponds generally to the bore 20 of Figure 3, but is of greater length. -I have provided bypass passages 82 and 83 through which the lubricant may, when desired, escape from the chamber corresponding to the chamber 24. I provide a valve member 84 which normally prevents the passage of lubricant from the bypass 82 to the bypass 83. However, the operator may, by pushing down thehandle 86 align the reduced portion 8'I of the valve member 84 with the bypasses 82 and 83 to allow communication between the passages 82 and 83. At the same time he closes the passage through the bore 80 and thus relieves the pressure in the chamber.

In Fig. 18 I have disclosed a device designed to accomplish a similar purpose. Therein I have shown casing 88 having its forward end 90 formed with pockets for the reception of the fitting 92. The forward end 90 is shown as a conventional claw, but it is to be understood that I prefer to use an improved clamping end such as one similar to those shown in Figs. 3 or 15.

Within the casing 88 there is slidably mounted sleeve 94 normally urged forward in the casing by a spring 96. The casing 94 is formed with an opening 98 communicating with a bore I00 formed in the lubricant supply pipe I02. Within the sleeve 94 there is mounted a plunger I08, a washer H0 and a spring II2 corresponding in function and design to the plunger 36, the

washer 40, and the spring 44 shown in Fig. 3.

A lug I04 placed on a sleeve I05 mounted for rotation between rings secured to the pipe I02 is designed to be moved normally forward by the spring 96 to a positionwithin the casing 88. There, rotation of the sleeve I05 causes the lug I04 toturn within the casing and catch against the rear end of the casing. For the purpose of providing easy rotation of the pipe and manipulation of this catch device, a handle I05 is secured to sleeve I05. In order to release the coupler in case of an hydraulic lock, the sleeve I05 is Fig. 19 discloses a device somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 18. Therein similar parts are designated by like reference numerals and only dissimilar parts are described in detail. Instead of the latching device formed by the elements I02 and the rear end of the casing 88, I have formed the rear end of the casing with a. screw plug II4 which bears upon the sleeve 94 and is adapted to be screwed into the casing 88. This plug corresponds in functional purpose to the latch device shown in Fig. 18.

It is believed that the operation of the modified forms of my improved coupler will be apparent from the above description. Should the coupler become pressure locked by reason of excessive pressure being supplied to lubricate a frozen fitting,- the pressure may be relieved in the case of the device shown in Fig. 1'7 by operating the valve 86. It can be relieved in the device shown in 18 by tuming the handle I06 and releasing the lugs I04 from their contact with the casing 88. In the case of the device shown in Fig. 19, the pressure may be relieved by unscrewing the nut H4 and thus allowing the sleeve H6 and its co-operating plunger to be backed away from the fitting.

The coupler shown in Fig. 20 comprises a cylindrical casing IEI having a threaded opening I62 for the insertion of a conduit leading from a source of lubricant supply, and having a chamber I63 within which is telescoped a tubular plunger I64 having associated therewith a piston or washer I 65 and a spring I66. The plunger is formed with a bore I61 leading to a lubricant pocket I68 from which lubricant is supplied to the ball head I69 of the fitting I'll. the lower side of the casing IBI is a finger or claw member I12 against which the ball head of the fitting is clamped by the plunger.

It is believed-that the operation of the modified form of my improved coupler will be apparent from the above description. Instead of the ball head being forced into the pockets or along the'grooves, it is forced against the claw member I12 and is held tightly clamped between said claw member I12 and the plunger. The structure thus does not have-all of the advantages of the preferred form previously described, but is simpler in design and construction.

In Fig. 21 there is shown a coupler having a casing I13, a clamping end therefor illustrated as a conventional claw I14, and a plunger I15 slidably mounted in the casing I13. The rear end of the casing I13 is closed by a plug I15 and between the front end of the plug I15 and the her I11.

The operator in inserting the coupler on the fitting may, by force exerted on the conduit- I8I relatively opposite in direction to force applied to thecasing and clamp I13, move the plunger I15 to clamping relationship with the clamping member I14. Thereafter turning on the lubricant supply forces lubricant under pressure into the chamber III to maintain the coupler clamped to the fitting. p

It is to be understood that the above described embodiments of the invention are for the purpose of illustration only; and various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1- claim:

1. A coupler for servicing a fitting to be lubricated comprising a casing, means for supplying lubricant to said casing, and means for clamping the fitting to the casing including a lubricant pressure operatedplunger, said plunger having a clamping face substantially in a plane inclined at an angle other than 'a right angle to the axis of the plunger.

-2. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a ball headed lubrication fitting comprising mounted in said casing, a piston associated with Secured to I84 -through which lubricant may pass to the chamsaid plunger, and means for supplying lubricant to said casing adjacent to said piston for forcing one face of said plunger into contact with a side or said ball head, the face of said plunger contacting with said ball head being substantially in a plane acute to the direction of lubricant pressure.

3. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a ball headed lubrication fitting, comprising a casing, means for supplying lubricant to said 4. A lubricating device comprising a fitting to be lubricated having a substantially spherical head, a casing, means for supplyinggrease to said casing, '1. plunger movable in said casing,

means including said plunger for clamping said fitting in said casing by means of the contact of one face of the plunger with the fitting, said contact comprising an annular surface having its axis of generation forming an obtuse angle with the axis of the plunger.

5. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a lubrication fitting having a substantially spherical head comprising a cylinder, and a piston in said cylinder, said piston having a tubu-.

lar thrust extension adapted to contact the spherical head, said extension having an annular area adapted to contact with said fitting, and said area lying substantially in a plane forming an acute angle with the extension, and having a diameter less than the diameter of the spherical fitting.

6. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a lubrication fitting having a ball head, comprising a casing, fitting engaging means associated with said casing, and a nozzle slidably mounted in said casing, said nozzle having a flat fitting contact face inclined at an angle other than a right angle to the axis of said nozzle.

'1. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a ball headed fitting to be lubricated, comprising a casing, a plunger slidably mounted in said casing having a fiat fitting contact face inclined at an angle other than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of said plunger, and means for partially closing/one end of said casing, said end closure having indentations of which at least one outline is circular. 8. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a ball headed lubricant receiving fitting comprising, a casing, a pair of spaced apart fitting engaging jaws associated with said casing, each of said jaws being formed with a pocket having spherical walls generated about a radius equal to the radius of the ball head of said fitting, a 'plunger slidably located within the casing and providing a discharge orifice circumscribed by a fitting engaging contact surface defining the zone of a sphere generated about a radius equal to the radius of the ball head of said fitting and means for admitting lubricant under pressure into the casing to cause the plunger to move toward said clamping jaws whereby the said plunger contact surface and the said Jaws may intimately contact with opposed surfaces of said fitting head.

9. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a fitting to be lubricated comprising a tubular casing, a plunger slidably mounted in said casing having a face adapted to contact with said fitting, said face being inclined with respect to the .axis of the plunger at other than a right angle,

means for partially closing one end of said casing, said means being formed with a groove parallel to the face of the plunger.

10. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a lubrication fitting comprising a casing, fitting engaging means associated with said casing, a plunger in said casing, lubricant pressure operated means operative to move said plunger to clamp the head of the fitting within the casing, the adjacent side walls of said plunger and said casing being slightly inclined with respect to one another whereby relative tilting movement is allowed between said plunger and said casing.

11. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a ball headed lubrication fitting comprising a tubular casing formed with an end closure, said end closure having a pocket therein for fixedly retaining the ball head of the fitting to be lubricated, means for urging said plunger into contact with the ball head for clamping said ball head In said casing, the adjacent side walls of said plunger and said casing being slightly inclined means associated with said casing and a plunger engageable with said fitting positioned in said casing having substantially conical sides.

13. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a lubrication fitting having a ball head com prising a tubular casing, fitting engaging means associated with said casing, and a cylindrical wall plunger engageable with said fitting slidably mounted in said casing, said tubular casing having conically shaped sides throughout at least a portion of its length.

14. In a lubricating device, a coupler for servicing a lubrication fitting formed with a ball head comprising a casing, fitting' 'engaging means associated with said casing, a plunger slidably mounted inn saidcasing, said plunger having a face adapted to contact with the ball head of said fitting and having a pocket formed in said face, the intersection of the center line 'of said pocket with the plane of the face being offset from the longitudinal center line of the plunger.

15. In a lubricating device, a nozzle for servic JOHN L. CREVELING. 

